On December 10, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported on the arrest of Anwar Masih, charged under Pakistan's controversial blasphemy law. For more details on the charges, click here. Through the intervention of the Pakistani Center for Legal Aid, Assistance, and Settlement (CLAAS), Anwar was released on bail on June 4. Praise God for Anwar's freedom. Pray that the charges against him will be completely dropped. For more information on persecution facing Christians in Pakistan, click here.
VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.
Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry
Population
247,653,551 (2023 est.)
Ethnicity (%)
Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)
Religion (%)
Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)
Leader
President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)
Government type
Federal parliamentary republic
Legal system
Common law system with Islamic law influence
Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.
A horrific attack on a young Christian mother has once again exposed the severe forms of persecution experienced by religious minorities in Pakistan. On June 11th, Sheeza Bibi was brutally raped by three men while her three-year-old daughter, Dua, watched in terror. The incident was clearly premeditated.
Christians in Pakistan often encounter intense opposition, particularly through the country's legal system. However, three recent court rulings have brought about a measure of relief and a renewed hope for justice.
In 2001, during the aftermath of the World Trade Centre attacks in New York, a Christian man in Pakistan named Anwar Kenneth published a letter defending Christianity and expressing his belief that Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was not a prophet of God. As a result of the letter, Anwar was charged in 2002 and ultimately convicted of blasphemy – a crime that carries an automatic death sentence under Pakistani law. The imprisoned believer has remained on death row for the past 23 years.
The kidnapping of young teens in Pakistan continues to be a serious concern for Christians and other religious minorities. After being kidnapped, many of these girls are forcibly "converted" to Islam and then compelled to marry their captors or other men associated with the crimes. While some state governments have introduced legislation to stop this abusive practice – including a law that recently passed in the Islamabad area – the courts frequently favour the kidnappers because of the pressures they encounter from militant Islamic groups. Two recent cases highlight the many challenges facing Christian girls in this South Asian country.
